Last week, Wednesday (April 15) the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced that it would not be implementing wage cuts for playing and non-playing staff plying their trade in the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
On top of this, the Association would be providing an assistance package of SGD$600,00 to help clubs with operating costs and wages. This would amount to $90,000 offered to each club, excluding Young Lions and Brunei DPMM.
This comes as a relief in uncertain times for clubs. Earlier murmurs have been a cause for concern as players here were worried that they might face the same fate as their European counterparts.
Things are not quite as certain in neighbouring leagues. The Malaysian League are still in discussions with various stakeholders and clubs on a solution going forward.
The New Straits Times reported that the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) has advised their member players to reject any unreasonable pay cuts proposed by their clubs.
Their head, PJ City striker, Safee Sali was quoted “Some clubs are forcing players to take pay cuts because they are already struggling to settle salaries.”
“One has to consider what happens if a player, who earns little money and has not been paid for months, has to take a pay cut.”
“These players could end up losing their homes and cars.”
JPF spoke to Singaporean defender Shahkir Hamzah who plays for Kedah FA in the M league has appealed for proper discussions with clubs.
“I hope that they (clubs) would sit and discuss with individual players and find a mutual agreement”
“The players are bound by a contract which both parties have to respect”
“For me, communication is key to settling this issue amicably”
In the Thai League, officials have also yet to finalise on plans for the season.
Earlier reports (April 14) have seen the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) recommend a league-wide 50% pay cut.
He was quoted “It is the consensus of every club to negotiate the wages of staff, both players and coaches, at 50 per cent, or half to be the same standard for the whole league.”
Veteran defender Baihakki Khaizan whom JPF spoke to was pragmatic in the face of these uncertainties.
He said “The world is facing these financial and economic uncertainties; we have to be prepared”
“I hope no one would be on the receiving end of a pay cut”
In contrast, the decisiveness of the FAS has been a breath of fresh air and prove to be an astute leadership win. JPF believes that this move will undoubtedly win them plaudits.
They’ve provided an Ark for their stakeholders in these troubled waters with collaborative discussions and a united front.
We believe this move will serve to build solidarity and will go a long way in rebuilding trust within our local football fraternity.
Now we can’t wait for the games to resume.
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